Where do I get my CrossCheck?
 

Now that I have a real job, I can start to put my plans to buy a CrossCheck into action. My original idea had been to just by the Complete and change parts over time, but I've seen comments in recent threads about the Complete's components being OK, but not good value for money. What do you all recommend as an online store that would be able to build a bike to my specs and ship it internationally (at a decent price would be nice, too)? I'm looking to keep shipping costs down, so I'd like to do it all from one source. If that's not a good idea, I'd like to know that, too.

Thanks in advance!

Last year we moved from California to Roussillon. Shipping the bikes was a huge hassle. Fedex wanted over $700 per bike ! Other shippes, not far behind. That's what their agents told me. A bike box too big for USPS to handle. I'd contact a shipper like Mayflower before I did anything.
I too converted my worn out Scott bike over to a Cross Check frame. A good touring /commuting frame. Still has some of the old Scott original components, I long term intend to update. A solid frame. Good ride. Will you have the bike built up in the US or elsewhere.

I assume I'll get the bike built up in the US, though seeing as I'll have to get it shipped here no matter what, it could really be from anywhere. $700 sounds a bit steep, though :eek:. I'll have to see what my shipping options are...

I suggest a professional shipping company, might be far cheaper. Think they send small boxes?

I'm not so sure that they do. There is often a minimum volume for shipping with a professional company, and that minimum volume would almost certainly be larger than a CrossCheck :(

I always wondered if you could just get the frame directly from the factory where it's made. Most frames are made in Taiwan or China these days so if you're nearby, why couldn't you just buy one direct?

Yeah, I've wondered about that, too. I think CrossChecks are made in Taiwan rather than on the mainland. Hmmmm... anyone know who makes Surly's frames?

That said, I like Surly as a company and want to support it. If buying straight from the factory means Surly is left out of the equation, I wouldn't be so keen on this route.

I know there is a bike shop in Hong Kong that sells Surlys, but I've found the people there dismissive of questions and generally unhelpful. :(

Is it a cultural thing or are they more interested in pushing $3000 roadbikes on you?

Since surly is designing their bikes, I really doubt that you could buy one directly. I think that the crosscheck complete is a good value, especially at some of the sale prices on the net. The volpe comes with brifters (expensive) and the x-check comes w/ barcons (relatively cheap), so people say the the volpe is a better deal.
The surly comes with a salsa handlebar, salsa chain rings.. both come with shimano hubs (deore vs tiagra) and alex rims. Surly is double, Bianchi is triple. I'd say that the components are sort of a wash - w/ the bianchi getting the nod for the brifters (if you want them). Now, Surly is a much more expensive frame (whether you think it is better or not is up to you), but I wouldn't put the value of the volpe frame as high when comparing the 'value' of the build kit that it comes with. Also, Surly is great with customer service. I've asked a few questions about a frame and gotten a same-day return email with advice from an experienced cyclist.

Cheap shipping
 

It probably isn't the best idea for a new frame, but you can just shove it in a garment box with some bubble wrap and ship it. Costs around $50. (if you ship FedEx Ground you can drop it off at any Kinkos without paying a surcharge.

Ari

Yeah, maybe I'll get a friend to ship it out for me by FedEx. CrossChecks are sturdy, right?

Jyo: Nothing cultural, just the internationally recognisable OCP LBS spirit... I was asking about building a fixie around an old frame, and their shop is filled with Kestrels and the like. They didn't try to push those on me, they just ignored me. Too bad, because they've got some stuff I'd like to buy, but I'm not buying from there.

1- Don't forget, the Cross Check complete also comes with DT spokes, as opposed to no-name generic spokes on the Volpe. I have broken 20+ generic spokes on my Kona. I have never broken a DT or Wheelsmith spoke. Remember, 1 broken spoke permanently, though possibly minimally, weakens all the other spokes in the wheel.

2- I have read online, as well as in BF, that the paint on the Cross Check seems to be stronger than the Volpe. To me this is important because it's steel, and keeping the paint intact helps to prevent rust.

3- I did not want brifters. I wanted something I can work on. In my lead-up-to-purchase research I read barcons are not only more reliable but easier to work on.

4- I have solved the gearing issue by replacing the cassette with an 11x32 variety. This gives me enough gear to get up any hill I've encountered in my area (Pacific Northwest).

5- I bought mine from edinabike.com in Sept. 06 for $730 w/s&h. They've upped the price now to $875 + s&h. I believe they charge approx. $45 s&h.

Good luck!

Might not be the exact same situation. But, My Cross Check frame was purchased solely as a frame from the company in Chicago. I had my worn out Scott 520 frame's components retrofitted to a Cross Check.
About shipping overseas. Shipping lines allow one to buy a box directly from them for small loads. Forget the price tho? GBCH. I'd call the likes of Fedex first and see if you have any better luck.
Other option google shipping freighter lines.

I'll call FedEx for sure. Hopperja, what was your experience with edinabike like? If you're not comfortable posting it on an open thread, feel free to PM me.

when I bought my Surly frame, thought the mechanic told me the Surly frame was made in Chicago, America. Could that be?

I think Jensonusa.com is having a free shipping sale right now and they stock Surly Cross Checks.

Surlys are to my understanding all built in Tawain. Design and marketing is based in Minnesota but the manufacturing is contracted to one of the big manufacturers in Tawain. Surly is part of QBP so it is not a small company but it appears that they are fairly independent and operate much as a small cool bike shop.
Craig

Sorry for the minor thread hijack.

Re: #4

What are you running up front? double or triple? what gearing?

I have shipped much heavier things to Iraq, for much cheapier, via fedex.

If you pay retail, you can probably just have an lbs order it and sell it to you at or near retail. There are several online places that will ship it free for about retail. I got mine shipped and sprayed with Framesaver at $100 less than retail on ebay. I guess surly had an end of year sale for bike shops, and the guy bought a few cheap off them.

Thanks for all the helpful messages. I'm still in the initial stages of looking (and feel like I have been for the last year or so), and won't be buying for another month or two at least. I just wanted to have a good idea of what options are open to me. Thanks again!